Wagyu Breeding Values Launch | Australian Wagyu Association

From 9am AEST Wednesday 4^th February 2026, the AWA will release the first official Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs), marking the beginning of a fully independent, Wagyu specific evaluation system designed for the modern Wagyu industry.

This milestone reflects years of preparation, a transformed dataset, and a deliberate shift toward a framework built exclusively around Wagyu animals, Wagyu production systems and Wagyu economic drivers.

What WBVs Represent

WBVs describe genetic differences between animals in the same way EBVs do, but they are powered by Wagyu‑specific data and models.

WBVs draw on:

A fully integrated, multi‑trait genomic evaluation
The world’s largest Wagyu genotype and phenotype dataset
High‑density genomic information across animals with varying Wagyu content

Most WBVs remain highly correlated with their EBV counterparts for major traits such as growth, carcase weight, and marble score. Where re‑ranking does occur, it reflects enhanced Wagyu specific trait relationships and the use of additional data.

How WBVs Are Now Possible

This launch is the outcome of a multi year system renewal program.

In recent years, AWA’s dataset has expanded dramatically:

Total animals analysed have nearly tripled
Genomic coverage has grown by more than 600%
Carcase records, especially from MIJ camera data, have increased sharply

With this scale and maturity, AWA can now:

Estimate genetic parameters directly from Wagyu data
Run an independent evaluation pipeline
Introduce new traits without external constraints
Deliver results weekly, with faster turnaround from DNA test to publication

Ongoing Updates & New Information Releases

The release is the first step.

Over the coming days and weeks, AWA will continue to publish new information to support members, including:

Detailed WBV documentation and trait descriptions
Educational guides on interpreting WBVs
Updated trait explanations, including Maternal Weaning Weight, Eye Muscle Area, Marbling Fineness and Net Feed Intake
Index updates reflecting WBV inputs
Further analysis of data being used in the evaluation

As additional data is incorporated into the system, updated WBVs will be published in line with AWA’s independent evaluation cycle.

Submitting Data Going Forward

The AWA will continue to support members in submitting performance, genomic, and carcase data into the WBV pipeline, and will provide updated guidance to ensure members have clear visibility of how their data is incorporated into each WBV run.

Upcoming communication will outline:

How animal performance records flow into the WBV evaluation
Requirements and reminders for genomic sample submission
Pathways for carcase and MIJ camera data
Timelines for data cut‑offs ahead of each weekly WBV run

Because WBVs are generated independently by AWA, this guidance will help members understand how their data contributes to the evaluation, while ensuring smooth integration and timely processing within the WBV system.

CURRENT RESOURCES

VISIT THE KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

READ THE WAGYU UPDATE ARTICLE

VIEW THE TECHNICAL WORKSHOP VIDEOS

IMPORTANT NOTICE - Terms & Conditions

It is a condition of use of this database that you accept these terms and conditions.

It is important that you appreciate when accessing the Australian Wagyu Association Limited (AWA) database (which may be hosted on an external website) that the information contained on the AWA database, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs) and Index values (together called Database Information), is based on data supplied by AWA members and/or third parties. 

Whilst sincere effort is made to ensure the Database Information is accurate and complete, to the extent permitted by law, AWA, its officers and employees, shall not be responsible for its use or interpretation, and you use the Database Information at your own risk. Please be aware of the following limitations of the Database Information.

Regarding WBVs and Index values, it is important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that: 

WBVs are derived using genetic evaluation technology developed for the AWA, using the information contained within the AWA database. 
WBVs are estimates of genetic potential of individual animals and may not reflect the raw animal phenotype. 
WBVs can only be directly compared to other WBVs calculated in the same AWA genetic analysis.

Regarding pedigree and DNA testing results submitted to the AWA, it is important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that: 

Animals whose registration identifiers start with PED are Pedigree Recorded Animals. What this means is that the details which AWA used to register the animal were obtained from a Recognised Wagyu Registry Organisation – in other words a Wagyu breed association based outside of Australia. AWA has not independently verified the information with respect to the animal or the details recorded about the animal. You should read AWA’s by-laws which set out details regarding the definition of a Pedigree Recorded Animal. 
Pedigree and DNA data submitted and supplied to AWA may have errors in it which cannot be detected without further DNA testing. 
Technology may have advanced since a particular test was undertaken so that genetic issues or inaccuracies which were previously not detectable are now able to be detected by current testing technology (i.e. if the animal was tested again with current technology). 
AWA estimates that less than 1% of the pedigree entries, ownership or breeding details in the AWA Herdbook may have errors or which may be misleading. For this reason, users ought to consider if they need to obtain independent testing of the relevant animal (if possible) to ensure that the data is accurate.

Regarding prefectural content, it is important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that: 

Prefectural content is based on the estimation of prefectural origin from Japanese breeding records of 201 foundation sires and 168 foundation dams. As genotype-based parent verification is not used in Japan, and full Japanese registration certificates are not available for all foundation animals, exact prefectural composition for these sires and dams cannot be validated. 
The calculation of prefectural content for Australian Herdbook animals relies on the accuracy of pedigree records and DNA samples provided by AWA members.

Regarding DNA testing and genetic condition results submitted to the AWA, it is important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that: 

As genetic testing results are provided by independent DNA testing laboratories at the request of AWA members, AWA relies solely on the accuracy of the reporting of genetic testing as completed by the laboratories. 
AWA uses GeneProb software to calculate the likelihood of pedigree animals being a carrier of genetic conditions. This likelihood is an estimate based on the available genetic testing results.

If you consider that you do not understand or appreciate the nature and/or implications of the data provided on this website or the WBVs of a particular animal, then AWA strongly recommends that you seek expert advice.  Note there is substantial technical information and articles on the Wagyu website to assist our members.

AWA’s liability for any loss or damage, consequential or otherwise, suffered or incurred by you or your related business, arising directly or indirectly from your use of Database Information, to the extent permitted by law, is limited to AWA providing you with a refund for the fees paid for the service (if any), or AWA re-performing the service, where possible, at the election of AWA.

AWA administers this database in good faith to support AWA members and the industry. AWA does not represent or warrant that the animals recorded in this database, or animals breed from them, will achieve any particular genetic or phenotype performance.

THIS DISCLAIMER HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 03/02/2026, PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ IT IN DETAIL